Do you want to read more about the worlds of kink, leather and SM?
Manumission is a new zine, launched with a free preview issue in September 2026. Each issue will bring you a selection of essays, plus articles looking at the world of kink. It’s a printed zine, A5 size, and we’re aiming to bring you at least 32 pages per issue.
There’s plenty of talk about these topics - but all too often it’s chopped up into small chunks for social media, or a hot take designed to elicit instant reactions.
We think there’s a need for something different. A slower, more considered read, where people can flesh out ideas. The second issue will be out in early December 2026.
Get the preview edition
Note: there are limited copies at each location. As of late October, most have been taken
- Berlin: Segunda Casa, Eisenacher Str. 2
- London: The Common Press, 118 Bethnal Green Road
- London: The LGBTQIA+ archive at the Bishopsgate Insitute
- London: Gay's the Word, Marchmont Street
- Manchester: Manchester Eagle
- Manchester: Clone Zone
- Vancouver: Vancouver Men in Leather events
- Stockholm: SLM Stockholm
- Atlanta: Barking Leather
Want a glimpse inside? Read the taster or see the full list of contents.
Get Manumission
Already got your copy?
Find all the links for this issue, fill in the feedback form or send us feedback by email.
Who’s behind this?
Manumission is edited by Nigel Whitfield (he), former Director of BLUF, journalist and editor. The associate editor is Kell w Farshéa (they), a long time queer activist and founder of the Countdown on Spanner campaign and SM Pride. It’s published by SubDirectory Ltd.
What you’ll find inside
Each issue will feature a selection of essays, which may include politics, media, history, theory and practice. We’ll aim to include a broad range of writers, across genders and sexualities. If you’re kinky, and have something to say, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You may also want to refer to our style and submission guide.
Alongside the essays, you’ll find some recurring strands in each issue:
Spiritual Homes
A focus on a venue or club that was an important part of the scene, but is no longer with us - like Chain Reaction, Der Putsch and The Backstreet in London, Mineshaft in New York or Argos in Amsterdam.
Sacred texts
A review of one of the key texts in the worlds of leather and SM, reassessing it for the 21st century.
From the archives
We aim to feature some of the best or most important writing from previous publications, and highlight the work of archives in preserving the stories of our community.
Focus
A look at a club or venue that plays an important part in the scene today. What is it, where is it, how do you access it, and why it’s special.
Need to know
A profile of a significant person in the world of kink, leather or SM. From early practitioners, to gear makers, event organisers, and more, we’ll spotlight the stories and contributions of people who helped make our culture.
Would you like to know more?
Find out more about the free preview edition, order a copy of the preview for £3.50, or join our mailing list to receive more details. The regular issues will be £10 each, including postage, with an offer available for those on low incomes.
Manumission is registered as a serial with the British Library. ISSN 2979-4102 (print), 2979-4110 (online).